Clean Run Magazine - October 2009 - 64

problems. A strict adherence to details like contact criteria can make or break your training. This is especially true for handlers with physical limitations who aren’t able to be close to give strong physical cues to a dog to hit a contact or perform a table correctly, for example. Physically limited handlers may not be the most talented athletes on the course, but they can be the best trainers. Great trainers stick to their behavior criteria both in training and in the ring. For puppies and dogs not yet jumping, you can also play the “Bucket Game,” a wonderful way to introduce the Out cue. Nancy Gyes had an article on this fun game in CR June 2007. Handlers with physical limitations should consider their physical abilities and the dogs’ skills when choosing which training method to use. Pattern training requires more handler movement and may not be the best option for those handlers unable to move well. Plate training allows a handler to move less, but does require the dog have previous training to the plate. Toy training is also a great tool for handlers with mobility problems, but the dog must be toy motivated. In the next article, I’ll explain my training ideas for the other three directional cues, Straight or Go, Here, and a side switch cue. D Kristin Kaldahl owns City Dogs Agility School in Oklahoma City. She and her Sheltie MACH2 Aslan have qualified four times for the AKC Agility National Championships and have competed twice. Kristin’s other agility dogs include Laika (12-year-old American Eskimo), Jericho (six-year-old Sheltie) and Asher (one-year-old Sheltie). Kristin received her second kidney transplant in December 2008 and is doing well. Congratulations! To Dana Bull and MACH CH Maeve (CD, PT, RA, NF , VCX) on fulfilling their ULTIMATE GOAL! From all of us: Kristin Kaldahl • All of your friends with the Obedience Training Club of Wichita Falls, Inc. • Michael Singleton & Swedish Vallhunds • Apollo and Arwen • Rex and Sherry Swanson & Maggie, Katie Grace and Picabo Streak • Christina Hatchett & The Z-Divas Shelties • Jane Tyson & Cheri and Kenzie • Debbie Spence and her boys • Donna Key and The Rat Pack • Jackie Judd and Micah, Madeline and River • Aleta Crosby • Cheryl Kinzy and Glory • Debi Foster and The Blue Boys • Gwen Grandell and Gigi • Joan C. Davis and Barker Davis & Beau, Rusty and Jeff • Ramona Stanfield • David and Stephanie Rose & Zoe and Molly • Nitcha Mason • Cookie and Michael Kemp & Kemp Corgis • Allen and Diane Moses and Cayenne and the Pack • Sharon Clark and Scottie, Molly, Zippy and Gabby • Debbie R. Reif & Tango, Echo, and Dex • Sandie Wyman and Andy Sheriff of Mayberry • Dave and Vicki Boyer Cherokee Cardigans • Lynda & Robert Portiss & Tanky, Khaki and Cher -- the Pemmies • Mary Karner • Steve Bull, unpaid kennel help and devoted husband. ♥ Clean Run | October 09

Clean Run Magazine - October 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - October 2009